How to Choose the Right Pet Sitter While You're Away

emergency. Whatever the reason, you’re leaving — and your pet isn’t coming with you. Cue the question that has dog and cat owners pacing the hallway at 2 a.m.: Who’s going to take care of my furry baby while I’m gone?

There’s no shortage of options. Friends, neighbors, professional pet sitters, pet hotels. But choosing the right pet sitter — that’s the real challenge. Let’s break it down. Step-by-step. Thoughtfully. Cautiously. Because your pet deserves more than someone who just refills a water bowl and disappears.

Contents

1. Define Your Needs — Don’t Skip This
2. Ask the Right Questions (Not Just the Obvious Ones)
3. Use Trusted Platforms — But Still Vet Everyone
4. Meet in Person (Or at Least Virtually)
5. Trust Your Gut — But Confirm with Logic
6. Trial Runs Can Save Vacations
7. Leave Nothing to Chance: Prepare for Success
Final Thought: Your Pet Can’t Choose — But You Can

1. Define Your Needs — Don’t Skip This

Before you even start googling “how to find a good pet sitter,” pause. What does your pet need specifically?

A dog that needs a walk at 7 a.m. and a second walk at dusk?
A cat that only eats one kind of food, at one specific spot in the kitchen?
A rabbit that needs daily enclosure cleaning?
Medication? Special instructions? Behavior quirks?

If you’re not clear about your pet’s routine, how can someone else be? Pet sitting isn’t a one-size-fits-all gig. It’s personal.

Write it all down. Seriously. Create a document with routines, preferences, feeding times, vet contacts, and emergency instructions. This becomes your blueprint when evaluating potential sitters.

2. Ask the Right Questions (Not Just the Obvious Ones)

Sure, you’ll ask:

How long have you been pet sitting?
Are you insured?
Can you provide references?

But dig deeper. Here are some underused yet revealing questions:

“Tell me about the last time you dealt with a pet emergency. What happened?”
“What would you do if my dog refused to eat for a day?”
“Are you okay with being recorded on calls or check-ins?”

The last question might surprise you — but in today’s tech-forward world, recording phone interviews with sitters can be immensely helpful. With multiple candidates, it’s easy to forget who said what. A call recording app, like Call Recorder for iPhone, helps you revisit each conversation, compare answers, tone, and confidence. You just need to get the app and in a matter of seconds, you will be able to record call on iPhone. It’s a smart move for clarity and peace of mind.

3. Use Trusted Platforms — But Still Vet Everyone

There are websites and apps dedicated to pet sitting. That’s great. But don’t confuse a polished profile with quality care.

According to a 2023 survey by PetSitters International, only 54% of pet owners who used online platforms were “very satisfied” with their sitter’s performance. That’s just over half.

So, yes, use these platforms — but:

Look for verified reviews.
Contact previous clients if possible.
Check for background checks or certifications.
Don’t assume; investigate.

4. Meet in Person (Or at Least Virtually)

Would you leave your child with someone you’ve never met? No? Then don’t do it with your pet.

Set up a meet-and-greet:

Let them interact with your pet in your home.
Observe how your animal responds.
See if your sitter asks questions — curious sitters are usually better ones.
Look for confidence. Look for empathy. Look for someone who kneels down to greet your dog instead of standing stiff like a stranger.

If a physical meeting isn’t possible, a video call is the next best thing. Again, record it if you need to. People say a lot. You want to remember it all — especially if they contradict themselves later.

5. Trust Your Gut — But Confirm with Logic

We all want to “feel good” about someone. But feelings can be misleading. Your gut might whisper, “She’s nice.” That’s great. But is “nice” enough?

Use logic as your co-pilot:

Do they have experience with your pet’s breed or species?
Are they trained in pet CPR?
Can they handle emergencies?
Did they show up on time?
Do they follow instructions well?

Feelings help narrow down options. Facts seal the deal.

6. Trial Runs Can Save Vacations

Before you jet off to Costa Rica or start a weeklong conference, run a trial day. A simple 24-hour pet sit.

Watch how things go. Did they send updates? Were food bowls clean? Was the litter box scooped? Did they report back, unprompted? Red flags during a trial should never be ignored. One bad overnight could be a warning.

7. Leave Nothing to Chance: Prepare for Success

Write detailed instructions. Label everything. Create a folder with emergency contacts. Make it foolproof.

And — have backup plans. What happens if your sitter gets sick or stuck? Is there a friend who can fill in? Plan B isn’t being paranoid. It’s being smart.

Final Thought: Your Pet Can’t Choose — But You Can

Your dog won’t be able to text you about how things are going. Your cat won’t file a complaint. They rely on you to make the call.

Choosing the right pet sitter is less about flashy resumes and more about instinct, process, and diligence. Interview thoughtfully. Compare carefully. Record conversations when needed. Trust, but verify.

Because when you’re away — your pet’s world shrinks to one person: their sitter. Make sure it’s the right one.